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awarn
awarn Member Posts: 5
edited March 2014 in Skin Cancer #1
Hi everyone,
I was just diagnosed with melanoma last week. Clark's level IV and that's about all I know till I see the dermatologist next week. The waiting is really hard. Anyway, I just wanted to find some people to talk to, people who understand... April

Comments

  • rlavery
    rlavery Member Posts: 15
    #2
    Hi April:

    Yes the waiting is very hard. But hang in there. I'm a little confused though, as usually it's the dermatologist who does the biopsy to determine the Clark's level, then it's off to the surgeon. Who diagnosed your melanoma?
    Rick
  • awarn
    awarn Member Posts: 5
    #3
    rlavery said:

    Hi April:

    Yes the waiting is very hard. But hang in there. I'm a little confused though, as usually it's the dermatologist who does the biopsy to determine the Clark's level, then it's off to the surgeon. Who diagnosed your melanoma?
    Rick

    Hi Rick,

    To answer your question: During a routine physical, I pointed out my mole to my regular doctor. He removed it in his office and sent it off to the pathology lab, and the results came back melanoma. I guess he didn't refer me to a dermatologist right away because the mole looked pretty normal... just a little large. We decided to remove it and send it to the lab "just to be on the safe side."

    So this isn't usually how it happens then. I guess that's why I only know it's "at least" Clark's level IV, and I have no idea about the stage. Sigh... I'll feel so much better when I actually know something. Even if it's really bad, I'd just like to know.

    Thanks for writing. It helps so much to "talk" to people.

    April
  • awarn
    awarn Member Posts: 5
    #4
    rlavery said:

    Hi April:

    Yes the waiting is very hard. But hang in there. I'm a little confused though, as usually it's the dermatologist who does the biopsy to determine the Clark's level, then it's off to the surgeon. Who diagnosed your melanoma?
    Rick

    Hi Rick,

    To answer your question: During a routine physical, I pointed out my mole to my regular doctor. He removed it in his office and sent it off to the pathology lab, and the results came back melanoma. I guess he didn't refer me to a dermatologist right away because the mole looked pretty normal... just a little large. We decided to remove it and send it to the lab "just to be on the safe side."

    So this isn't usually how it happens then. I guess that's why I only know it's "at least" Clark's level IV, and I have no idea about the stage. Sigh... I'll feel so much better when I actually know something. Even if it's really bad, I'd just like to know.

    Thanks for writing. It helps so much to "talk" to people.

    April
  • rlavery
    rlavery Member Posts: 15
    #5
    awarn said:

    Hi Rick,

    To answer your question: During a routine physical, I pointed out my mole to my regular doctor. He removed it in his office and sent it off to the pathology lab, and the results came back melanoma. I guess he didn't refer me to a dermatologist right away because the mole looked pretty normal... just a little large. We decided to remove it and send it to the lab "just to be on the safe side."

    So this isn't usually how it happens then. I guess that's why I only know it's "at least" Clark's level IV, and I have no idea about the stage. Sigh... I'll feel so much better when I actually know something. Even if it's really bad, I'd just like to know.

    Thanks for writing. It helps so much to "talk" to people.

    April

    Hi again April:
    To my knowledge, with a Clark's level IV, your next visit to any medical profession should quickly be to a plastic surgeon for a wide excision and possibly a sentinel lymph node biopsy, not a visit to a dermatologist.
    Hope this helps.
    Much luck.
    Rick
  • fianoj
    fianoj Member Posts: 1
    #6
    Hello April,
    I was browsing this site for the first time and decided to e-mail you. I definately understanding what you're going through. Last year, I was diagnosed with melanoma. It was scary, still scary wondering if it will reoccur. If you want to talk, I'll listen and share the knowledge I've gained from research. I hope your treatment is over and everthing came back negative.
  • gnail
    gnail Member Posts: 35
    #7
    April,
    You can contact me anytime at gnail@sky.net. I too have melanoma.
  • gnail
    gnail Member Posts: 35
    #8
    awarn said:

    Hi Rick,

    To answer your question: During a routine physical, I pointed out my mole to my regular doctor. He removed it in his office and sent it off to the pathology lab, and the results came back melanoma. I guess he didn't refer me to a dermatologist right away because the mole looked pretty normal... just a little large. We decided to remove it and send it to the lab "just to be on the safe side."

    So this isn't usually how it happens then. I guess that's why I only know it's "at least" Clark's level IV, and I have no idea about the stage. Sigh... I'll feel so much better when I actually know something. Even if it's really bad, I'd just like to know.

    Thanks for writing. It helps so much to "talk" to people.

    April

    Hi April,

    I will be more than happy to help get you the information you desire. (e-mail me at gnail@sky.net) Knowledge helps remove fear. Please do go see a good dermatologist. You should do it regularly now that you have a "history" of melanoma. You want to cath anything BEFORE it becomes a problem from this point forward. Take care. Greg
  • happyme
    happyme Member Posts: 3
    #9
    Hi,
    I just had a biopsy on June 27th on a very mall mole in the center of my chest. July 16th they did a 2 1/2 inch margin which is very deep. I had a graft from my groin to the chest. I'm still very tired and weak.

    Now I have a lump in my mouth for the past 2 1/2 weeks. Went to the dentist to do xray, he's not sure what this is, he gave me antibiotics and wants me to see a oral surgeon.

    I have a catscan on Thursday, Aug 15. They did lots of blood tests on Friday at the Oncology Doctor's office. I have Stage 1 which is the mildest. Very
    small mole...I have to go to see my GYN to slowly get taken off hormones, due to cancer grows from estrogen. I have to go back to a dermatologist to check out the entire body. Very busy time in my life with doctors.

    My daughter just had identical twin girls on Thursday, I'm very busy having fun.....smile
    Tiny little things, 5lbs.... Love them lots.
    Bring lots of joy into my life....

    Good luck to you, get all kind of tests and be very agressive with the doctors for catscans, or MRI and PetScan.....if needed..
    Blood work does tell everything....these tests do. I have a neighbor who just lost her 41 year old husband to this disease and she tells me everything extra to do....

    Good luck and God Bless to all of us...many happy years ahead....

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